Disposable display rack



United States Patent inventors Gerald Wood Prairie Village, Kans.; Nelson E. Orv/lg, Sandusky, Ohio; Harvey L. Kolster, Grain Valley, Mo.; Jack E. Kahler, Overland Park, Kans. Appl. No. 781,220 Filed Dec. 4, 1968 Patented Dec. 22, 1970 Assignee Hallmark Cards, Incorporated Kansas City, Mo. a corporation of Missouri. by direct and mesne assignments DISPOSABLE DISPLAY RACK 9 Claims, 19 Drawlng Figs.

US. Cl 211/135, 108/111:21l/l48,21l/l77:3l2/l29,3l2/257 Int. Cl. A471 5/11 Field ofSearch 211/148,

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1/1929 Arlt 2,251,814 3/1941 Yohns .1 211/135X 2,462,321 2/1949 Holmes.. 211/123 2,642,326 6/1953 Taylorm. 52/624 2,769,551 11/1956 Just 21 1/134X 3,145,851 8/1964 Magers............. 211/148 3,149,727 9/1964 Magers 211/148 3,362,610 1/1968 Van Dyke 21 1/135)( FOREIGN PATENTS 892,642 3/1962 Great Britain 211/148 Primary Examiner- Ramon S. Britts Attorney- Fishburn, Gold and Litman PATENTEUUEBZEIBYB SHEET 1 OF 6 3,649,019

INVENTOR5. GERALD WO0D,NEL5ON E. ORWG,

HARVEY L. KOLSTER.'\4 BY IAcK E. KAHLER (at ATTORNEYS PATENTEUDEDZZIBHI SHEET 2 OF 6 3,549,619

INVENTORS. GERALD WOOD, NELSON E. OPMHG,

HARVEY L. KOLSTERPM BY JACK E. KAHLER @y fiddlww Ma x/1441M ATTORNEYS PATENTEnninzzrsm SHEET 3 BF 6 3.5491019 INVENTORB. GERALD WOOD, NELSON EORWIG. HARVEY L KOLSTERPM BYJ'ACK E. KAHLEFR ATTORNEYS PATENIED 00322 I978 SHEET l 0F 6 INVENTOR5. GERALD WOOD, NELBON E.ORWIG,

HARVEY L. K0LsTER,-u BY JACK E. KAHLER ATTORNEYS lgou PATENTED [H22 1970 SHEET 5 OF 6 INVENTORS. GERALD WOOD, NELSON E. ORWIG,

BY HARVEY L. KOLSTERfl- MOM gym M J'ACH E. KAHLER ATTORNEYS PATENTED UEC22'I'97G SHEU 6 BF 6 INVENTORS. GERALD wooo, NELSON E. ORWIG,

HARVEY 1.. KoLsTaRfl-w: BY JACK E. KAHLER m mw aoizmw ATTORNEYS DISPOSABLE DISPLAY RACK This invention relates to display stands or racks and more particularly to disposable display racks having a plurality of removable shelves.

The principal objects of the present invention are: to provide a simple, inexpensive structure for displaying articles of merchandise which is constructed of a minimum of parts and which can be quickly assembled and disassembled; to provide such a disposable display rack which is rigid and strong and of a knockdown form that may be readily assembled and disassembled without the use of tools; to provide such a disposable display rack so constructed that the major portions of articles placed therein are exposed for viewing thereof by an observer facing the rack; to provide such a rack which is made of a minimum number of parts and which is pleasing in appearance and which is provided with merchandise-receiving pockets or recesses; to provide such a disposable display rack which is particularly adapted to displaying greeting cards, wrapping material, such as wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, and the like, and party supplies such as paper napkins, plates, cups, coasters, and the like; to provide such a disposable display rack having a fold-out door and a storage shelf behind the door and below the merchandise display members; and to provide such a rack of light, simple, and inexpensive construction.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth by way of illustration and example certain embodiments of this invention.

FIG. I is a perspective view of a disposable display rack embodying features of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of the disposable display rack.

FIG. 3 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 3-3, FIG. 2, showing arrangement of vertically spaced merchandise-supporting members.

FIG. 4 is a horizontal sectional view showing a merchandisesupporting member with portions broken away to show stif fening dowels and their mounting on laterally spaced upright support members. FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on line 5-5, FIG. 4, showing details of construction of an edge of the merchandise-supporting member.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged exploded fragmentary perspective view of an edge member for the upright support member.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view showing the edge member mounted on the upright support member.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a modified disposable display rack.

FIG. 9 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 9-9, FIG. 8, showing arrangement of merchandise supporting members.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a mounting member showing a plurality of hooks mounted thereon.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a modified disposable display rack having a fold-out door.

FIG. 12 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 12-12, FIG. I I, showing arrangement of display and storage shelves.

FIG. [3 is a partial plan view of the storage shelf and foldout door shown in the closed position.

FIG. 14 is a rear elevational view of the disposable display rack showing a rear closure panel engaging bracing members.

FIG. [5 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a sample package support member for use with the disposable display racks.

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a modified display structure having a plurality of sets of vertically spaced merchandise-supporting members.

FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of the modified display structure showing rear closure panels.

FIG. 18 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a modified dowel for supporting the merchandise-supporting members.

FIG. I9 is a fragmentary perspective view of a filler member for the upright support members.

Referring more in detail to the drawings:

The reference numeral 1 generally designates a disposable display rack for displaying merchandise such as greeting cards, gift-wrapping material, party supplies, and the like. The disposable display rack 1 has a pair of laterally spaced upright support members 2 which support opposite ends of a plurality of vertically spaced merchandise-supporting members 3. Cross-bracing members 4 and 5 extend between the upright support members 2 and a plurality of support and stiffening dowels 6 are mounted in edges of the merchandise-supporting members 3 and have opposite ends supported by the upright support members 2. Each of the upright support members 2 and each of the merchandise-supporting members 3 are formed of a single sheet of material folded to form the respective members.

Each upright support member 2 has spaced panel portions 7 and 8 joined by an edge panel 9 which extends between one edge of each of the panel portions 7 and 8. lnwardly folded edge portions 10 and II extend inwardly from an opposite edge of the spaced panel portions 7 and 8 respectively. The inwardly folded edge portions 10 and 11 are in engagement with each other and with their respective panel portions.

An edge-finishing member 12 is mounted on the peripheral edges of each of the upright support members 2. The edgefinishing member 12 is illustrated as a channel-shaped member having a web portion I4 and flanges l5 and 16 extending outwardly from opposite edges of the web portion 14 for engaging exterior surfaces of the panel portions 7 and 8 respectively. In the illustrated structure, the edge-finishing member 12 is an elongate member having a slotted opening 17 adjacent one end thereof which is adapted to receive an extension 18 extending outwardly from the web portion 14 of the other end. The edge-finishing member 12 is mounted on the peripheral edges of the respective upright support member 2 with the extension 18 received in the slotted opening 17. The extension 18 is then bent or folded to engage the exterior surface of the web portion 14 to thereby secure the edge-finishing member 12 in firm engagement with the respective support member 2.

The upper merchandise-supporting members 3 each have an upwardly directed rear portion 19 and a shelf portion 20 extending outwardly from the rear portion 19. The shelf portion 20 is substantially transverse to the rear portion 19. The rear portion 19 may be vertical or may be inclined from the vertical up to 30. The support and stiffening dowels 6 are mounted in edges of the merchandise-supporting members to provide greater shelf capacity and in the illustrated structure, a rear dowel 21 is mounted in an upper edge of the rear por tion 19 and a front or forward dowel 22 is mounted in a front edge portion of the shelf portion 20.

The rear portion 19 has a planar forward panel 23 and a planar back panel 24 with a top edge panel 25 extending rearwardly from an upper edge 26 of the forward panel 23 and a sloping panel 27 extending between a rear edge 28 of the top edge panel 25 and an upper edge 29 of the back panel 24. The top edge panel 25 and the sloping panel 27 and a portion of the forward panel 23 form a triangular compartment having the rear dowel 21 mounted therein.

The shelf portion 20 has a planar top panel 30 extending forwardly from a lower edge 3] of the forward panel 23. A front edge panel 32 depends from a forward edge 33 of the top panel 30 and an inclined panel 34 extends between a lower edge 35 of the front edge panel 32 and a forward edge 36 of the planar bottom panel 37. The shelf portion 20 has an intermediate panel 38 positioned between the top panel 30 and the bottom panel 37. The intermediate panel 38 extends for wardly from a lower edge 39 of the back panel 24. The intermediate panel 38 has a forward depending edge portion 40 positioned between the front dowel 22 and the front edge panel 32.

A bottom merchandise-supporting member 41 is positioned below the upper merchandise-supporting members 3 and has a closure portion 42 depending from a shelf portion 43 and a rear portion 44 extending upwardly from the shelf portion 43. A bottom dowel 45 is mounted in a lower or bottom edge portion of the closure portion 42.

The closure portion 42 has a closure forward panel 46 extending downwardly from a rear edge 47 of a bottom panel 48 of the shelf portion 43. A bottom edge panel 49 extends rearwardly from a lower edge 50 of the closure forward panel 46. A closure back panel 51 engages the closure forward panel 46 and a sloping panel 52 extends between a rear edge 53 of the bottom edge panel 49 and a lower edge 54 of the closure back panel 51. The bottom edge panel 49 and the sloping panel 52 and a portion of the closure back panel 51 define a triangular compartment having the bottom dowel 45 mounted therein.

The upper merchandise-supporting members 3 and the bottom merchandise-supporting member 41 extend between facing surfaces of the pair of upright support members 2 and the merchandise-supporting members 3 and 41 each have opposite ends supported on the facing surfaces of the pair of upright support members 3.

The rear dowel 21, front dowel 22, and bottom dowel 45 each have opposite ends engaging the facing surfaces of the upright support members 2 for supporting the respective merchandise-supporting members and for positioning same relative to the upright support members. The upright support members 2 each have aligned elongate openings 55 in the fac ing surfaces thereof to receive and retain ends of the dowels. in the illustrated structure, the dowels are elongate cylindrical rods and each rod has an annular recess 56 adjacent each end thereof, which is received in and retained in the openings 55 in the upright support members 2. The openings 55 are illustrated as keyhold slots each having an enlarged upper portion 57 and a narrower lower portion 58. The enlarged upper por tion 57 is sized to permit one end of the respective dowel 6 to be inserted therein and the narrower lower portion 58 corresponds in size to the respective recess 56 whereby the dowels 6 are retained within the openings 55 and provide support for the respective portions of the merchandise-supporting members.

The cross-bracing members 4 and are each illustrated as elongate bars having openings 59 in opposite ends thereof. The openings 59 are adapted to receive and retain a pin 60 extending through the openings 59 and into the edge member 12 and the edge panel 9 of the upright support members 2. The pin 60 has an enlarged portion 61 adapted to be retained within a space between the spaced panel portions 7 and 8.

The pins 60 are preferably of hollow metal with the enlarged portion 61 formed of a plurality of resilient strips which are adapted to be moved radially inwardly while being inserted through the respective opening 59, edge member 12, and edge panel 9. The resilient strips then expand to retain the enlarged portion 61 of the pin 60 within the respective upright support member 2. The resilient strips are shaped to again move radially inwardly when the respective pin 60 is removed during disassembling of the display rack.

Preferably, the upright support members 2, the upper merchandise-supporting members 3, and the bottom merchandise-supporting member 41 are formed of cardboard, corrugated paperboard, or other suitable inexpensive material which may be decorated, if desired, by color contrast, printing, lithographing, decorative veneers, or the like.

FIGS. 8 to 10, inclusive, illustrate a modified disposable display rack 62 particularly adapted to display gift-wrapping materials such as spools of ribbon, pretied bows, rolls of wrapping paper, and the like. The modified display rack 62 includes a bottom or lower merchandise-retaining member 63 and an upper merchandise-retaining member 64. A plurality of laterally spaced hooks 65 are positioned between the lower and upper merchandise-retaining members for displaying packaged items such as pretied bows, colored wrapping string, and the like.

The bottom or lower merchandise-retaining member 63 in cludes a plurality of laterally spaced dividers 66 which are substantially parallel with a pair of laterally spaced upright support members 67. The dividers 66 form a plurality of open compartments or bins 68 for receiving elongate rolls of giftwrapping paper and the like. In the illustrated structure, the dividers 66 each have a pair of spaced projections or tabs 69 extending outwardly from a rear edge thereof which are received in and retained in slots 70 in the bottom or lower merchandise-retaining member 63. The dividers 66 each have a portion of a forward edge thereof received in a slot 71 in the lower merchandise-retaining member 63, as later described.

The bottom or lower merchandise-retaining member 63 has a forward edge portion 72, a bottom portion 73, and a back portion 74, to define a space for displaying merchandise. The forward edge portion 72 is a relatively short member whereby only a small portion of merchandise displayed is obscured from view. A front dowel 75 is mounted in the forward edge portion 72 and an upper dowel 76 is mounted in an upper edge of the back portion 74 to stiffen the respective edge portions.

The forward edge portion 72 has a front panel 77, a top edge panel 78 extending rearwardly from an upper edge 79 of the front panel 77, an inclined panel 80 extending downwardly and forwardly from a rear edge 81 of the top edge panel 78, and a rear panel 82 extending downwardly from a lower edge 83 of the inclined panel 80. The front panel 77 and the rear panel 82 are in engagement and are preferably suitably secured together, as by glue.

In the illustrated structure, the slots 71 are through the rear edge 81 of the top edge panel 78 and extend into rear portions of the top edge panel 78 and the inclined panel 80.

The bottom portion 73 consists of upper and lower sheets or panels 84 and 85, respectively. The upper panel 84 extends between a lower edge of the rear panel 82 and a lower edge of the back portion 74. The lower panel 85 extends between a lower edge of the front panel 77 and a lower edge of the back portion 74. The upper and lower panels 84 and 85 are in engagement and are preferably suitably secured together, as by glue.

The back portion 74 has a forward panel 86 and upper and lower rear panels 87 and 87, respectively. The forward panel 86 extends upwardly from the lower edge of the back portion 74 and a top edge panel 88 extends rearwardly from an upper edge 89 of the forward panel 86 and an inclined panel 90 extends downwardly and forwardly from a rear edge 91 of the top edge panel 88 to an upper edge 92 of the upper rear panel 87.

In the display rack illustrated, the lower rear panel 87' engages the forward panel 86 and extends upwardly from a rear edge of the lower panel 85 and a top edge panel 88' extends rearwardly from an upper edge 89' of the lower rear panel 87' and an inclined panel 90' extends downwardly and forwardly from a rear edge 91 of the top edge panel 88' to an upper edge 92' of-a back panel 93. The back panel 93' engages the lower rear panel 87' and is suitably secured thereto, as by being glued thereto.

The front dowel 75 is retained within a triangular compartment formed between the top edge panel 78, the inclined panel 80, and an upper portion of the front panel 77. The upper dowel 76 is retained within a triangular compartment formed between the top edge panel 88, the inclined panel 90, and an upper portion of the forward panel 86 of the back portion 74 of the bottom merchandise-retaining member 63. A back or rear dowel 94' is retained within a triangular compartment formed between the top edge panel 88, the inclined panel 90' and an upper portion of the lower rear panel 87'.

The upper merchandise-retaining member 64 has a plurality of shelf portions 93, a plurality of back portions 94, a plurality of front edge dowels 95, a merchandise-receiving recess 96, and a top dowel 97. The upper merchandise-retaining member 64 is formed of a single sheet of material and extends between the upright support members 67 and is supported by the top dowel 97, the front edge dowels 95 and a support dowel 6. The support dowel 6' supports an intermediate portion of the upper merchandise-retaining member 64 and is positioned at the intersection of the upper back portion 94 and a forward panel 96' of the merchandise-receiving recess 96.

In the illustrated structure, the upper merchandise-retaining member 64 has a plurality of laterally spaced dividers 98 each having a rear edge portion 99 and a bottom edge portion 100 engaging and suitably secured to the back portions 94 and the shelf portions 93 respectively, as by being glued thereto.

In the illustrated structure, the hooks 65 are positioned below the upper merchandise-retaining member 64 and are mounted on a mounting member in the form of an elongate rod 101 having opposite ends supported by the upright supporting members 67. The hooks 65 each have a display portion 102 and a keeper portion 103. The keeper portion 103 has an upright end rod 104 engaging the mounting rod 101 and extending upwardly therefrom. The upright end rod 104 has an upper end portion 105 which engages a rear face or surface 106 of the upper merchandise-retaining member 64 to thereby position and support the respective hook 65. The keeper portion 103 also includes mounting rod-engaging members 107 which in the illustrated structure include a pair of laterally spaced U-shaped hooks 108 each having one end of a leg suitably secured to a connecting rod 109, as by being integral therewith. The connecting rod 109 extends transversely to the display portion 102 and transversely to the keeper portion 103 and is positioned at the intersection thereof.

FIGS. 11 to 13, inclusive, illustrate a modified display rack 110 having an upper merchandise display member or shelf 111 extending between a pair of laterally spaced substantially parallel support members 112 and the upper merchandise shelf 111 has a plurality of merchandise-receiving recesses 113. The modified display rack 110 has a fold-out door 114 having an upper edge 115 positioned immediately below a forward edge 116 of the upper merchandise display shelf 111. A merchandise storage shelf 117 extends rearwardly from the fold-out door 114. The modified display rack 110 also has a closure member 118 positioned below the merchandise storage shelf 117 and below and rearwardly of the fold-out door 114.

In the illustrated structure, the upper merchandise display shelf 111 is formed of a single sheet of material folded to form the plurality of merchandise-receiving recesses 113. Each merchandise-receiving recess 113 has a forward edge portion 119, a bottom portion 120, and a rear portion 121. Each of the forward edge portions 119 extend upwardly from the bottom portion 120 of the respective recess 113 and is formed of a double thickness of material. The upper merchandise display shelf 111 has a plurality of projections or tabs 122 extending outwardly from opposite ends thereof for being received in and retained within slots 123 in facing surfaces of the upright support members 112.

The upper merchandise display shelf 111 engages and is supported by a plurality of support dowels 122' each of which are positioned to be engaged by a lower surface of the upper merchandise display shelf 111 at the intersection of one of the forward edge portions 119 and one of the bottom portions 120. Edge dowels 123' are positioned at an upper edge of the rear portion 121 of the upper merchandise-receiving recess 113 and at a lower edge of the bottom portion 120 of the lower merchandise receiving recess 113. The edge dowels 123' are each retained within triangular compartments 124 formed by folding the material of the upper merchandise display shelf 1 1 1.

The fold-out door 114, closure member 118, and the merchandise storage shelf 117 are formed of a single sheet of material and in the illustrated structure the fold-out door 114 has a forward or front panel 124 and a top edge panel 125 extending rearwardly from an upper edge of the forward panel 124, thereby defining the upper edge 115. An inclined panel 126 extends downwardly and forwardly from a rear edge 127 of the top edge panel 124 and a back or rear panel 128 engages the front panel 124 and extends downwardly from a forward edge 129 of the inclined panel 126.

The merchandise storage shelf 117 extends rearwardly from a lower edge of the rear panel 128. The merchandise support shelf 111 has an upper panel 130 and a lower panel 131 suitably secured together, as by being glued together.

The top edge panel 125, the inclined panel 126, and an space or compartment having a stiffening member 132 retained therein. The stiffening member 132 is an elongated dowel or rod which extends between opposite edges of the fold-out door 114. it is preferable to have a rear edge dowel 133 in a triangular compartment formed in the lower panel 131 at a rear edge of the shelf 117 to increase the load-carrying capacity of the shelf 117.

The forward panel 124 of the fold-out door 114 extends below the lower edge of the rear panel 128 whereby a lower edge portion 134 of the fold-out door 114 engages a lower surface of the upper panel of the merchandise storage shelf 117 when the door 114 is open, thereby limiting the forward or downward movement of the fold-out door 114. An upper edge of the closure member 118 is positioned rearwardly of the fold-out door 114, whereby the lower edge portion 134 of the fold-out door 114 will clear the closure member 118 when being moved to the open position.

The closure member 118 has a forward panel 135 and a rear panel 136. A triangular compartment 137 is formed at a lower edge of the closure member 118 to retain a lower edge dowel 138. An upper edge dowel 139 is retained within a triangular compartmentrl40 formed at the upper edge of the closure member 118.

In the illustrated structure, the compartments 137 and 140 are formed by folds in the rear panel 136 and the upper compartment 140 engages the lower panel 131 of the shelf 117, thereby providing additional support whereby the load-carrying capacity of the shelf is substantially increased.

An extension 141 extends outwardly from opposite ends of the rear panel 128 and is folded as at 135 whereby the fold-out door 114 may move between a substantially upright closed position and a substantially horizontal open position. A suitable resilient member such as an elastic band 142 is operative to bias the fold-out door 114 toward the substantially upright or closed position. One end of the elastic band 142 is mounted in a forward portion of the extension 141 adjacent the rear panel 128 and the other end is mounted in a rear edge 143 of the storage shelf 117 whereby the door 114 will be urged toward the closed position except when retained in the 'open position, as by merchandise being placed thereon.

An extension 144 extends outwardly from opposite ends of the upper panel 130 of the shelf 117 and is joined with the extension 141 at a fold 145. A tab 146 is formed in facing surfaces of the upright support members 112 and is positioned to be inserted through a slot 147 in the extensions 144 to thereby position the extensions 144 to be cleared by the extensions 141 while the door 114 is being opened and closed.

FIG. 14 illustrates a rear closure panel 150 extending between facing surfaces of upright support members 151 and 152. The rear closure panel 150 engages the cross-bracing members 4 and 5 and is suitably supported thereon, as by tabs 153. The tabs 153 are formed by an elongate slit 154 in the rear closure panel 150 and the tabs 153 are moved outwardly from the panel 150 to engage the bracing members 4 and 5.

An upper edge 155 of the rear closure panel 150 engages an upper edge of an upper merchandise-supporting member 156 of the respective disposable display rack. The upper edge portion 155 extends outwardly from the rear closure panel 150 and is moved downwardly to engage the upper merchandisesupporting member 156. It is preferable that the rear closure panel 150 be foldable, as indicated at 157, whereby the rear closure panel 150 may be stored in a reduced space.

The rear closure panel 150 is adapted for use with the disposable display racks illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 13, inclusive, and is particularly adapted to provide a finished appearance to the back or rear portion of the respective display racks.

FIG. 15 illustrates a display member 158 adapted to be mounted on an upper merchandise-supporting member 159 having a shelf portion 160 and a rear portion 161 extending upwardly therefrom. The display member 158 has a mounting portion 162 engaging the rear portion 161 and the shelf porupper portion of the forward panel 124 define a triangular 75 tion 160 of the upper merchandise-supporting member 159.

1n the illustrated structure, the mounting portion 162 is an elongate rod and has one end extending through the shelf portion 160 at the intersection with the rear portion 161. A support hook 163 is mounted on the mounting portion 162 and has a pair of laterally spaced substantially L-shaped hooks 164 and 165 extending outwardly from opposite ends of an elongate connecting rod 166. The L-shaped hooks 164 and 165 and the connecting rod 166 are suitably secured together, as by being integral. The connecting rod 166 extends transversely to the mounting portion 162 and the hooks 164 and 165 are positioned to be received in and retained within notches 167 and 168, respectively, in an upper edge of the upper merchandisc-supporting member 159.

The display member 158 includes a display portion 169 extending upwardly from the mounting portion 162 and has suitable support means mounted thereon for supporting a merchandising display, such as a sample package 170. The support means is illustrated as a substantially U-shaped member 171 mounted on an upper end of the display portion 169. The U-shaped member 171 includes laterally spaced arms 172 and 173 extending outwardly from opposite ends of an elongate connecting member 174. The arms 172 and 173 and the connecting member 174 are suitably secured together, as by being integral.

The display member 158 is particularly adapted for mounting on the display rack illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 14, inclusive, with or without the rear closure panel 150.

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate a disposable display structure 175 having a plurality of laterally spaced substantially parallel upright support members 176 and a plurality of sets of vertically spaced merchandise-supporting members 177. Each of the sets of merchandise-supporting members 177 extends between facing surfaces of a pair of the upright support members 176.

Each of the merchandise-supporting members 177 has an upwardly extending rear portion 178 and a shelf portion 179 extending outwardly from the rear portion 178 and substantially transverse thereto. Supporting dowels 180 are formed in the merchandise-supporting members 177 and are received in keyhole slots 18] in facing surfaces of the upright support members 176.

An end suppon member 182 has an exterior surface 183 which does not have the slots 181 therein and preferably has a suitable decorative veneer thereon to provide an attractive finished appearance on opposite ends of the structure. An end support member 182 is positioned at each end of the disposable display structure 175, thereby providing a finished appearance for opposed ends thereof. The interior upright support members 176 have the slots 181 in each surface 184 thereof.

The back or rear of the disposable display structure 175 has a rear closure panel 186 positioned adjacent the rear portions 178 of the vertically spaced merchandise-supporting members 177. The rear closure panel 186 has a plurality of tabs 187 engaging cross-bracing members 188 and 189, and an upper edge portion 190 positioned to engage the respective upper merchandise-supporting members 177.

While the merchandise-supporting members 177 have been illustrated similar to those disclosed in FIGS. 1 to 7, inclusive, it is to be understood that display racks similar to those in FIGS. 8 to 10, inclusive, and FIGS. 11 to 13, inclusive, may be arranged in a structure similar to the disposable display structure 175, and that the display member 158 may be mounted in the respective upper merchandise-supporting members thereof, as previously described.

FIG. 18 illustrates a modified dowel 200 having opposite ends engaging and supported by facing surfaces of the upright support members for supporting the merchandise-supporting members in the disposable display racks shown in FIGS. 1 to 17, inclusive. Each modified dowel 200 is formed of an elongate tubular member 201 and a pair of end members 202 insertable into opposite open ends of the tubular member 201. Each end member 202 has a notch or recess 203 adjacent one end thereof thereby defining a knob or enlarged portion 204 which is received in and retained in the openings in the panel portions of the upright support members, as previously.

described.

It is desirable to have an exterior surface of each of the end members 202 frictionally engage interior surfaces 205 of compartments 206 formed in the respective,merchandise-supporting members by folding a single sheet of material, as previously described. In the illustrated structure, a plurality of ion gitudinally spaced annular ribs 207 extend from a shaft portion 208 of the respective end member 202. The annular ribs 207 each have a recess or notch 209 in the peripheral surface thereof, thereby providing substantially knifelike edges to frictionally engage the interior surfaces 205 of the compartments 206. The annular ribs 207 are spaced from the other end of the end member 202 thereby providing a mounting pprtion of the shaft portion 208 to be inserted into the open ends of the tubular member 201. The shaft portion 208 is sized to provide a tight fit within the respective ends of the tubular member 201, yet allow some deflection or bending thereof without pulling out of the upright support members.

FIG. 19 illustrates a filler member 210 for mounting between and engaging facing surfaces of the panel portions of the upright support members, thereby substantially increasing the resistance of the upright member support members to bending, twisting, and the like and maintaining spacing between the panel pbrtions thereof, thereby increasing the rigidity of the disposable display rack. The filler member 210 has a plurality of elongate planar strips 211 in spaced substantially parallel relation, and a plurality of elongate undulating strips 212, each positioned between and alternately engaging facing surfaces of the adjacent planar strips 211. The undulating strips 212 are suitable secured to the surfaces of the planar strips 211, as by glue.

It is to be understood that while we have illustrated and described certain forms of our invention, it is not to be limited to these specific forms or arrangement of parts herein described and shown.

We claim:

1. A disposable display rack for displaying merchandise comprising:

a. a pair of substantially parallel upright support members, said upright support members each having a plurality of aligned elongated openings in facing surfaces thereof;

b. a plurality of vertically spaced merchandise-supporting members extending between the facing surfaces of said upright support members, said merchandise-supporting members each having an upwardly extending rear portion and a shelf portion extending outwardly from said rear portion and substantially transverse thereto, said merchandise-supporting members each being formed of a single sheet of material wherein said shelf portion has a planar top and a planar bottom panel with a front panel depending from a forward edge of said top panel and an inclined panel extending between a lower edge of said front panel and a forward edge of said bottom panel, said shelf portion has an intermediate panel positioned between said top and bottom panels, said intermediate panel has a forward depending edge portion, and said rear portion has a planar forward panel and a planar back panel with a top edge panel extending rearwardly from an upper edge of said forward panel and a sloping panel extending between a rear edge of said top edge panel and an upper edge of said back panel;

c. a bottom merchandise-supporting member having an upwardly extending rear portion and a shelf portion extending outwardly from said rear portion and substantially transverse thereto and a closure portion depending from said shelf portion, said closure portion including a closure forward panel extending downwardly from a rear edge of said bottom panel of said shelf portion and a bottom edge. panel extending rearwardly from a lower edge of said closure forward panel and a closure back panel engaging said closure forward panel and a sloping panel extending between a rear edge of said bottom edge panel and a lower edge of said closure back panel whereby said bottom edge panel and said sloping panel and a portion of said closure back panel form a compartment;

a plurality of elongated dowels supporting said merchandise-supporting members, said dowels having opposite ends supported on said facing surfaces of said upright support members, said dowels being elongated rods with each rod having a recess adjacent opposite ends thereof, said recesses being received in and retained within said openings in said upright support members, each merchandise-supporting member having a rear dowel mounted in said rear portion and a front dowel mounted in said portion, said front dowel being positioned between said forward depending edge portion of said intermediate panel and said inclined panel and said intermediate panel, said rear dowel being positioned between said top edge panel and said sloping panel and a portion of said forward panel, said bottom closure portion of said bottom merchandise-supporting member having a bottom dowel mounted therein; and

e. bracing members extending between said pair of upright support members. 2. A disposable display rack for displaying merchandise comprising:

a. a pair of substantially parallel upright support members, said upright support members each having a plurality of aligned elongated openings in facing surfaces thereof;

b. a plurality of vertically spaced merchandise-supporting members extending between the facing surfaces of said upright support members, said merchandise-supporting members each having an upwardly extending rear portion and a shelf portion extending outwardly from said rear portion and substantially transverse thereto; a plurality of elongated dowels supporting said merchandise-supporting members, said dowels having opposite ends supported on said facing surfaces of said upright support members, said dowels being elongated rods with each rod having a recess adjacent opposite ends thereof, said recesses being received in and retained within said openings in said upright support members, each merchandise-supporting member having a rear dowel mounted in said rear portion and a front dowel mounted in said shelf portion;

d. bracing members extending between said pair of upright support members;

e. an elongated display member having a mounting portion and a display portion, said mounting portion engaging said rear portion and said shelf portion of an upper one of said vertically spaced merchandise-supporting members, said display portion extending upwardly from said mounting portion;

f. a support hook mounted on said display member, said support hood engaging an upper edge of said rear portion of said upper merchandise-supporting member; and

g. support means mounted on said display portion for supporting a merchandising display.

3. A disposable display rack for displaying merchandise comprising:

a. a pair of substantially parallel upright support members;

b. a plurality of vertically spaced merchandise-supporting members extending between facing surfaces of said upright support members, said merchandise-supporting each being formed of a single sheet of material folded to form a plurality of compartments;

c. a plurality of elongated dowels having opposite ends engaging said facing surfaces of said upright support members for supporting said merchandise-supporting members, each of said dowels being an elongated tubular member received in a respective compartment in said merchandise-supporting members;

d. a pair of end members insertable into opposite ends of said tubular member, said end members engaging said facing surfaces of said upright support members, said end members each having means thereon for frictionally engaging interior surfaces of said respective compartments;

and

e. means for maintaining said pair of upright support members in said upright positions.

4. The disposable display rack as set forth in claim 3 wherein said upright support members each are fonned of a single sheet of material and include:

a. spaced panel portions in facing relation;

b. an edge panel extending between one edge of each of said spaced panel portions;

c. inwardly folded edge portions at opposite edges of each of said spaced panel portions, said inwardly folded edge portions being in engagement with each other and with said panel portions; and

d. an edge finishing member mounted on the peripheral edges of each of said upright support members.

5. A disposable display rack for displaying merchandise comprising:

a. a pair of substantially parallel upright support members; each of said upright support members having a shell formed of a single sheet of material and includes spaced panel portions in facing relation and an edge panel extending between one edge of each of said spaced panel portions and folded edge portions at opposite edges of each of said spaced panel portions, said folded edge portions being in engagement with each other, and an edgefinishing member mounted on the peripheral edges of each of said upright support members and a filler member between and engaging facing surfaces of said panel portions;

b. a plurality of vertically spaced merchandise-supporting members extending between facing surfaces of said upright support members;

c. a plurality of elongated dowels having opposite ends engaging said facing surfaces of said upright support members for supporting said merchandise-supporting members; and

d. means for maintaining said pair of upright support members in said upright positions,

6. The disposable display rack as set forth in claim 5 inc luda. a fold-out door below a merchandise-supporting member;

b. a merchandise storage shelf extending rearwardly from said door, said storage shelf being below said merchandise-supporting member; and

c. resilient means biasing said door toward a closed position.

7. The disposable display rack as set forth in claim 6 wherein:

a. said display shelf is formed of a single sheet of material folded to form a plurality of merchandise-receiving recesses;

b. said fold-out door and said storage shelf are formed of a single sheet of material; and

c. said door has a stiffening member mounted in an upper edge.

8. The disposable display rack as set forth in claim 5 wherein the display rack has an upper and a lower merchandise-supporting member, said rack including:

a. a plurality of spaced dividers mounted in said merchandise-supporting members, said dividers being substantially parallel with said facing surfaces of said upright sup port members and substantially uniformly spaced therebetween; and

b. a plurality of spaced hook members positioned between the merchandise-supporting members, said hook members each having a display portion and a mounting portion engaging the upper merchandise-supporting member.

9. The disposable display rack as set forth in claim 5 75 wherein said filler member includes:

between and alternately engaging facing surfaces of adjacent planar strips. 

